Fruit quality analysis and comprehensive evaluation of characteristic small-fruit type apple germplasm resources
摘要
【Objective】Apple is the most widely cultivated deciduous fruit species in China, possessing considerable adaptability and economic value. Since the reform and opening-up, the apple industry has developed rapidly. However, the homogenized variety structure and its monotonous flavour profile can no longer meet consumers'growing demand for greater diversity in fruit. The cultivation of diverse, differentiated and personalized new apple varieties holds significant importance, with the development of small-fruit type apples emerging as one of the new breeding objectives. Therefore, we systemically investigated fruit quality traits of characteristic small-fruit type apple germplasm resources and conducted a comprehensive evaluation, thereby providing valuable reference and a theoretical basis for the innovative utilization of superior germplasm resources.【Methods】This study utilized 5 characteristic smallfruit type apple cultivars, namely Huangtaiping, Jinhong, Hesetiaowen, Whitney, and Xinhong, as exper-imental materials to measure and analyze their fruit morphological characteristics and quality trait indicators. Apple fruit phenotypic traits were surveyed and recorded in accordance with the‘Apple Germplasm Resource Description Specifications and Data Standards'. The determination of soluble sugars and organic acids in apples was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography. The determination of polyphenolic components and their contents was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Five fruit sections including cross sectional, longitudinal sectional, cheeks, stem cavity and calyx-end were selected. After 24-hour fixation at room temperature to ensure complete penetration of the fixative, paraffin sections were prepared. Cytological observations were conducted on five-part fruit sections of apple varieties using paraffin sections. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation of fruit quality traits across different varieties was